Coalition sues Trump administration over limits on foreign student visa stays

The U.S. government is facing legal challenges from a coalition of unions, universities and education organizations over new limits on foreign student visa stays. The administration's recent regulation, set to take effect on September 15, establishes time limits on how long people can legally remain in the country under certain types of visas.

This is a significant departure from the previous "duration of status" system, which allowed international students and exchange visitors to stay as long as they made progress in their academic programs without a fixed maximum period. The plaintiffs argue that the new regulations will create uncertainty for students, especially those in longer programs, and could force them to rely on discretionary extensions to complete their studies.

They also contend that the requirement to apply for extensions could deter foreign students from pursuing their education in the United States. Additionally, the regulation imposes new restrictions on students who wish to change programs or institutions, and limits opportunities for foreign journalists with I visas to begin new courses of study.

The plaintiffs argue that these provisions could force students and journalists to invest significant amounts of money and time in their education, only to be subject to periodic reviews by immigration authorities. The lawsuit seeks to block the rule from taking effect and invalidate it before it becomes law.